Preschool "Sports" week

Last week we had "sports" week. I requested my parents bring in any sports memorabilia, hats, jerseys, and/or favorite team posters. We ended up having tons of stuff to explore. Each day I would pull out of our bag and ask the class about the ball, or item and how they thought that sport was played. Then, I would do my best to demonstrate the sport and how to use the equipment. We got an opportunity on Thursday to take all of our items outside and attempt to try out everything. What a riot! There were golf clubs, basketballs, footballs, tennis balls, frisbees and soccer balls all over the play yard. Boy, were we tired. The next day we all brought our bikes, trikes, and big wheels with our protective gear for "bike day". I am still surprised when there are students who can't peddle. I spent quite a bit of our outside time coaching the peddling technique. What a great way to work those gross motor skills and an even better way to end the week.

"Listening Ears" are on in my Preschool class

Last week we talked all about the moon, the stars, the sun and space. I asked my Facebook friends for suggestions since this theme was all new to me. Bobbi sent me a link to her blog "Casa Camacho" with a few ideas she had already done. I loved the "phases of the moon" activity and thought it would be easy, fun and yummy to do. However, the day of the activity our class had guests. A dad brought in his daughter to meet me and to give her a feel for her new class. I invited them both to stay for the activity as we both could tell she was engrossed in the centers and clearly was not ready to leave. Well of course you know how a class can be when guests are in the room, kinda distracted; paying attention but barely; fascinated with the new girl, etc. I was able to hold their attention long enough once the oreos were open and I began to demonstrate how they should complete the "phases of the moon". Still, I wasn't convinced it went over well, until this week that is. During lunch, Brianna bit her turkey slice from the Lunchable into a "crescent" and she was so proud she held it up for me to see. If that wasn't enough she was busy showing me her "whole" moon when Eric held up his nibbled off turkey "crescent" too.

Be careful what you say...they just might be listening!

Thank you Megan, Nancy and Bobbi.

Preschoolers and Hula-Hoops

You probably can tell I love being outside. Yes, sometimes our Florida heat is unbearable, still we venture out each day to see what wonderful experiences await us. One day while shopping for my own little girls, I picked up some hula-hoops for my class. I wasn't sure if four-year olds could master the complex timing and rhythm it takes to hula-hoop. Regardless, I thought it'd be fun. I've watched my own 7-year old go at it for the longest time on her hips, on her arm, down on her knees and back up again. I purchased the hoops with the thought that if they didn't master it my kid would have enough hoops to last her until middle school.

On Friday, each child came in and asked about the hoops and everyone couldn't wait to go outside to get their turn. They each took turns trying. I demonstrated the technique then coached as they tried. Eventually, some ran away to more familiar territory, the slide, the swings and the balls. But, there were a few that stuck around and was determined to keep that hoop on their hips. I called for the class to line up and still they were trying. No one ever quite got the hoop to stay up, although a few were very close.

I decided not to give the hoops to my daughter because with just a few determined faces It's worth it for them to try and try again. Here's an A for Effort!